The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute at Harvard University marked the start of the academic year on Sept. 9 with its annual “Welcome Back” mixer.
The event brought together students, faculty, and affiliates for an evening of engagement and networking.
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Diana L. Eck, newly appointed Faculty Director of the Institute, delivered the opening address, reflecting on its enduring engagement with South Asia and outlining strategic ambitions for her tenure.
Following her remarks, Hitesh Hathi, executive director, presented the Institute’s goals for the year and encouraged the Harvard community to engage with the Institute’s events, fellowships, and academic programmes.
Faculty members including Professors Richard Wolf, Jinah Kim, Venkatesh Murthy, and Martha Selby offered brief overviews of their current research and forthcoming courses, highlighting the diversity of South Asia–centred scholarship across disciplines.
Student organizations also took part, manning tables in the concourse to present their initiatives and collaborative opportunities. Meanwhile, the Institute’s own table provided details on fall events, grant programmes, and methods for staying involved with its offerings.
The event concluded with a shared South Asian meal, fostering informal interaction and new connections among attendees.
The Welcome Back mixer affirms the role of the Mittal Institute as a central node for South Asia studies at Harvard. Founded in 2003 (later formally recognized as an institute in 2013), it is a university-wide research institute dedicated to interdisciplinary scholarship, capacity building, policy engagement, and disseminating knowledge relevant to South Asia and its global intersections.
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